Conditioned reflex
A conditioned reflex is a learned response to a stimulus that has previously been associated with another important stimulus.
Definition
The conditioned reflex is created by associative learning. A classic example is the Pavlovian salivation response in dogs to a sound associated with food. In everyday life, similar mechanisms may involve tension, avoidance, pleasure or habits triggered by specific signals.
Key ideas
- Associative learning
- Conditioned stimulus
- Automatic response learned
Practice and life
Identify one stimulus that triggers an unwanted response and plan a calm, new response repeated in the same context.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to assume that a learned response is unchangeable. The second mistake is to ignore the stimuli that sustain it.
> What was once neutral can become a signal of reaction.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What stimulus triggers a reaction automatically?
- What could this stimulus be associated with?
- How can I teach a new answer step by step?